Bilingual - Pesticide Compliance Investigator

Description

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Pesticide Compliance Investigator position within the Pesticide Management Division. This position is approved for a home duty station but would need to be able to report to the Yakima Office. This is a Washington Public Employees Association represented position.

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is: $55,224 Step A - $72,552 Step L annually.

Duties

• Conduct routine and for-cause state and federal inspections of pesticide users, distributors and producers.
• Initiate an inspection or investigation when potential violations are observed.
• Investigate allegations of violations involving pesticide use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, licensing and other aspects of the pesticide laws and rules.
• Conduct personal interviews and take statements from witnesses and other parties in conjunction with an investigation or inspection.
• Survey area to determine source of damage or exposure and documents other applicable evidence as observed or discovered such as collecting samples, photographs, records and other evidence to determine whether a violation has occurred.
• Conduct field surveillance when necessary or as directed by the Area Supervisor.
• Inspection may involve the following:
  • Aerial, ground, greenhouse, PCO and chemical pesticide application equipment and pesticide storage areas.
  • Pesticide containers in the chain of distribution for compliance with pesticide regulations.
  • Safety equipment and personal protective (PPE) gear for compliance with label requirements.
  • Bulk pesticide secondary containment and temporary field storage.
  • Operational area containment at pesticide mix/load sites.
• Write professional, complete, and accurate inspection and investigation reports that are defensible in an administrative hearing.
• Initiates on-site corrective action when necessary.
• Review legal documents related to investigative work for accuracy prior to the initiation of civil penalty action. Gives sworn testimony at depositions, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings.
• Serve warrants and presents follow-up documents to court.
• Assist with public disclosure requests.
• Develop and deliver public presentations on pesticide related issues and pesticide laws and rules.
• Provide training for individuals that will be taking pesticide exams. Conducts exam sessions and assists with certification of pesticide applicators, dealers, and consultants.
• Under general direction, respond to complex inquiries or requests for technical assistance requiring a very sound understanding of the pesticide laws/rules and program policies.
• Assist and coordinate inspection and investigation activities with local, state, and federal agencies as needed.

Qualifications

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• Associate degree including at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science.
• Four (4) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulator agency in the pest management field or fertilizer industry.

• Bachelor's degree including at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in a natural resource, agricultural, environmental or health regulatory position, in the pest management field, or in the pesticide or fertilizer industry.

• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish, the incumbent must be able to fluently speak, write and translate oral and written communications.
  

• WSDA Public Operator / Consultant Pesticide License with applicable endorsements
• EPA FIFRA Inspector Credentials
• DES WA State Investigator training CORE and ADVANCED
• 40-Hour Hazardous Materials Training (HAZMAT) certification with annual 8-hour refresher courses
• Medical evaluation, training and fit testing for respirator use

• Two (2) years working with pesticides or fertilizers, including their purchase, use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, licensing, including experience in reading and interpreting pesticide labels.
• Two (2) years experience providing excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to document inspection and investigation findings, and create detailed professional reports.
• Two (2) years experience and comfortable with typing, database input, and public speaking.
• Two (2) years experience providing great customer service.

Supplemental Information

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program.

• 
  Current resume detailing experience and education.
• A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Three professional references.

Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.